Tag: technologically advanced dental care

The Power of PRP

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

You may have heard of PRP, aka platelet-rich plasma, for facials, hair restoration, and joint repair, but did you know PRP is increasing in popularity in dentistry, too?

It’s true. This powerful substance is full of growth factors, antibodies, and healing power. Millennium Smiles uses PRP in patients after tooth extractions to speed healing and reduce the risk of infection and dry sockets. Learn more about PRP in this blog.

What Exactly Is PRP?

Image of PRP before being during dental extraction.

PRP is the plasma byproduct of blood rich in platelets, the tiny blood cells that play a big role in clotting. PRP has been used for years in a variety of hospital settings, but only recently, has become more mainstream for cosmetic, regenerative medicine, and dental uses.

PRP’s popularity and availability have increased in recent years because new technology allows for the easy harvest of platelets from just a few vials of blood.

Why Is PRP So Beneficial After Extractions?

PRP has some significant benefits. For one, it allows the body to use its natural healing power. It also speeds up healing, because the growth factors and antibodies found in PRP signal the body to send blood, oxygen and other nutrients to the wound site. PRP also tells the stem cells in the area of the wound to wake up and start regenerating into new tissue. In fact, within just 30 minutes after an extraction, blood vessels and cells are growing into a web-like structure in the wound to protect the jaw bone from being exposed.

Another reason that PRP is so beneficial after dental extractions is that PRP also contains BMP or bone morphogenic protein. BMP plays a critical role in forming new bone tissue, which helps to keep the area of the extraction in good health and can potentially mean patients can skip bone grafts if their jaw is healthy enough to accommodate a dental implant.

Other Benefits of PRP

It’s safe. PRP comes directly from the patient’s own blood, and therefore cannot transmit disease or be rejected by the immune system.

It’s convenient. There is no need to go to a laboratory or hospital to have your PRP generated. Dr. Korous has the state-of-the-art technology to take a small amount of your blood and process it into PRP in the office in about 20 minutes.

It’s powerful. PRP can speed up healing time and heal tissues quickly compared to conventional membrane usage in dental extractions.

For more information about PRP and its benefits, call Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899.

Is Your Child Snoring?

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

Isn’t cute when your little one snores? Honestly, it’s adorable. It may also be a sign of something more serious. It could be evidence of a breathing disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or a deviated septum.

Causes of Snoring in Children

The causes of snoring in children are similar to the causes of snoring in adults. Some of these causes are relatively benign, but some are more serious. Here are the most common causes of snoring in children:

Congestion. A cold, respiratory infection or congestion caused by allergies can force a child to breathe through their mouth which can cause snoring.

Swollen Tonsils. Swollen tonsils and enlarged adenoids can temporarily block blocking the airway, causing snoring and difficulty sleeping. While for some children, this is a temporary situation, but many children with this condition have obstructive sleep apnea.

Deviated Septum. Some children are born with a deviated septum, which means the divider between their nostrils is offset. An offset septum makes breathing through the nose more difficult (and noisier!)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is caused when the airway is blocked. It can be blocked by the tongue or by enlarged glands. Children living with OSA often snore loudly and repeatedly wake through the night, often gasping for breath. According to statistics, around three percent of children under the age of 10 have OSA.

Incorrect Jaw Position. Did you know that the position of the jaw can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea? If the jaw is set too far back, the tongue is too far back. A tongue that is too far back can fall and block the airway when your child is relaxed during sleep and impact breathing.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Snoring

Breathing is one of the two most critical functions of the human body because it keeps us alive! When breathing is difficult because of a breathing disorder, the body can be severely impacted as can sleep. Sleep apnea and breathing disorders increase blood pressure and have been linked to other dangerous health conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also, when sleep is impacted, your child may act out, be more tired than usual, have difficulty concentrating, or complain of headaches.

What Should You Do if You Notice Your Child Snoring?

If you notice your child snoring, you should mention it to Dr. Korous. Dr. Korous recognizes that sleep apnea is a serious condition in both children and adults and has the training and resources necessary to help. Learn more about how Millennium Smiles uses technologically advanced dental care to help treat sleep apnea by calling 972-987-4899.

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